March 24, 2010

+ Oscar Romero +

Today is Archbishop Oscar Romero's Saint Day. A Saint Day is the Church's way to say that this is the anniversary of a person's death. On March 24, 1980, 30 years ago to the date, Romero was assassinated while celebrating the Eucharist, more commonly known as Holy Communion. You can read more about him, here.

One of the lasts things he ever said is recorded in a book called The Violence of Love, which is a post-humous collection of his writings and speeches that have been translated into English. It is a treasure. I pull this out every year on this date in remembrance and honor of Archbishop Oscar Romero:

God's reign is already present on earth in mystery. When the Lord comes, it will be brought to perfection. That is the hope that inspires Christians. We know that every effort to better society, especially when injustice and sin are so ingrained, is an effort that God blesses, that God wants, that God demands of us. [1]

Eternal God, your love is stronger than death, and your passion more fierce than the grave. We rejoice in the lives of those whom you have drawn into your eternal embrace. Keep us in joyful communion with them until we join the saints of every people and nation gathered before your throne in your ceaseless praise, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. [2]

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[1] Violence of Love, p. 206

[2] A remembrance of the faithful departed taken from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, page 82